US3666600A - Apparatus for forming layup laminate - Google Patents

Apparatus for forming layup laminate Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3666600A
US3666600A US805595A US3666600DA US3666600A US 3666600 A US3666600 A US 3666600A US 805595 A US805595 A US 805595A US 3666600D A US3666600D A US 3666600DA US 3666600 A US3666600 A US 3666600A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
resin
prepregs
vacuum
bleeder
layup
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US805595A
Inventor
Stanley Y Yoshino
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Boeing North American Inc
Original Assignee
North American Rockwell Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by North American Rockwell Corp filed Critical North American Rockwell Corp
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3666600A publication Critical patent/US3666600A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/04Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
    • B29C70/06Fibrous reinforcements only
    • B29C70/08Fibrous reinforcements only comprising combinations of different forms of fibrous reinforcements incorporated in matrix material, forming one or more layers, and with or without non-reinforced layers
    • B29C70/086Fibrous reinforcements only comprising combinations of different forms of fibrous reinforcements incorporated in matrix material, forming one or more layers, and with or without non-reinforced layers and with one or more layers of pure plastics material, e.g. foam layers
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/08Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/04Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
    • B29C70/28Shaping operations therefor
    • B29C70/40Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied
    • B29C70/42Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
    • B29C70/44Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using isostatic pressure, e.g. pressure difference-moulding, vacuum bag-moulding, autoclave-moulding or expanding rubber-moulding
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29DPRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
    • B29D24/00Producing articles with hollow walls
    • B29D24/002Producing articles with hollow walls formed with structures, e.g. cores placed between two plates or sheets, e.g. partially filled
    • B29D24/005Producing articles with hollow walls formed with structures, e.g. cores placed between two plates or sheets, e.g. partially filled the structure having joined ribs, e.g. honeycomb
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/12Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/28Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the sub-groups B32B27/30 - B32B27/42
    • B32B27/281Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the sub-groups B32B27/30 - B32B27/42 comprising polyimides
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/32Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
    • B32B27/322Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins comprising halogenated polyolefins, e.g. PTFE
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/36Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyesters
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/22Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed
    • B32B5/24Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/26Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer next to it also being fibrous or filamentary
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/06Interconnection of layers permitting easy separation
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C43/00Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C43/02Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
    • B29C43/10Isostatic pressing, i.e. using non-rigid pressure-exerting members against rigid parts or dies
    • B29C43/12Isostatic pressing, i.e. using non-rigid pressure-exerting members against rigid parts or dies using bags surrounding the moulding material or using membranes contacting the moulding material
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29LINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/30Vehicles, e.g. ships or aircraft, or body parts thereof
    • B29L2031/3076Aircrafts
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B38/00Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
    • B32B2038/0052Other operations not otherwise provided for
    • B32B2038/0076Curing, vulcanising, cross-linking
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2250/00Layers arrangement
    • B32B2250/055 or more layers
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/10Inorganic fibres
    • B32B2262/101Glass fibres
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2305/00Condition, form or state of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2305/02Cellular or porous
    • B32B2305/026Porous

Definitions

  • BACKGROUND Vacuum bagging techniques have been employed for many years for preparing glass fabric laminates bonded with phenolic or epoxy resins.
  • the resin is impregnated in a glass fabric sheet known as a prepreg.
  • the resin in the prepreg is usually uncured or may be partly curred before use.
  • a suliicient number to form the desired thickness of the part are fitted onto a mold and a release layer porous to gases but essentially impervious to the liquid resins is laid over the assemblage of prepregs.
  • One or two sheets of glass fabric are laid over the entire assemblage and draped over the mold to provide a path for gas iiow to a vacuum connection.
  • An impervious flexible sheet is laid over the bleeder fabrics and sealed at the edge with putty to form a vacuum tight assembly.
  • the assembly is then evacuated so that atmospheric pressure applied through the flexible sheet compresses the prepregs tightly onto the mold.
  • the part may be placed in an autoclave so that the pressure applied is augmented above the p.s.i. atmospheric pressure available.
  • the part is then heated, while in the vacuum bag, to the curing temperature for the particular resin system and the prepregs are thereby rigidly bonded together to form a structural part.
  • the uncured prepregs are tacky and the resins have a very high viscosity.
  • the cure of the resin commences at a relatively low temperature and the consequent increase in viscosity at the commencement of gelling offsets any decrease in viscosity which might be expected as the temperature increases.
  • the resin coating includes solvents to provide tack and drapability.
  • a layup technique and process is provided wherein a bleeder reservoir for excess resin is provided within the vacuum bag with the proportion of bleeders and prepregs selected to provide a controlled basin content in the completed part.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective a typical part contained in a vacuum bag
  • FIG. 2 comprises a cross-sectional view through the vacuum bag layup of IFIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 comprises another cross-sectional view through the vacuum bag layup of FIG. 1;
  • IFIG. 4 illustrates a third cross-section of a portion of the vacuum bag layup of FIG. 1.
  • polyimide resin composite laminates are detailed. It will be apparent that the principles are also applicable to other polyaronlatic resins such as polybenzimidizole, polysulfone and polyphenylene.
  • a composite laminated structure made from glass fabric and polyimide resin may be employed as a radome or similar radio or radar transparent structure for high speed aircraft or in an environment otherwise subjected to elevated temperatures.
  • Typical polyimide resins such as PI 3301 available from I.
  • du Pont de Nemours and 'Skybond 700 available from Monsanto are inherently useful at elevated temperatures, and temperature resistance and strength at elevated temperatures are enhanced by maximizing the content of glass in the composite structure; that is, by minimizing the quantity of resin without compromising the ability to iirmly bond the glass fibers together. In such a composite structure it is desirable to achieve a maximum density in order to assure optimum strength and resistance to the elevated temperature environment.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a vacuum bag layup incorporating the principles of this invention.
  • a tool or mold 10 which, for purposes of illustration, is merely ⁇ a ilat plate. It will be recognized, of course, that other more complex geometries of mold can readily be employed as is conventional, and the illustration of flat plate mold in FIG. l is only for purposes of exposition.
  • the same general principles of vacuum bagging hereinabove described are employed in practice of this invention except that the arrangement of elements in the layup are varied and a two stage cure cycle for polyaromatic resins is employed.
  • the part being formed is covered by an impervious sheet 11, usually known as a vacuum bag, and vacuum connections 12 are provided with hoses 13 running to a vacuum pump (not shown).
  • a vacuum bag 11 an impervious sheet 11
  • vacuum connections 12 are provided with hoses 13 running to a vacuum pump (not shown).
  • FIG. l the general outline of a structural part beneath the vacuum bag 11 can be seen, which, for purposes of illustration, is merely a rectangular at plate, it being recognized, of course, that the processes are par- 3 ticularly well adapted to parts of complex geometries.
  • a tab or coupon 14 is also provided on the part adjacent each of the vacuum connections 12.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of the layup of FIG. l including one of the tabs 14 and a vacuum connection 12.
  • the polyimide prepregs comprise, for example, a sheet of glass fabric impregnated with a polyimide resin.
  • the glass fabric prepreg is normally loaded with from 40 to 50 percent of resin by weight which actually comprises about 30 to 40 percent by Weight of curable polyimide resin and yabout l() to 20 percent of volatile materials.
  • a substantial portion of the volatile material in the prepreg is a high boiling point solvent for the polyimide resin such as n-methyl-Z- pyrrolidone pyridine, or dimethyl formamide for providing tack, and some of the volatile material is water released in the condensation reaction of curing of the resin.
  • a high boiling point solvent for the polyimide resin such as n-methyl-Z- pyrrolidone pyridine, or dimethyl formamide for providing tack
  • Some means must be provided in the vacuum bagging arrangement for removing gases from the layup of prepregs during curing not only to remove the high boiling point solvent and the water, but also the air within and between the prepreg layers.
  • the relatively large amount of solvent in the prepregs causes the low viscosity of the resin during the early stages of the curing cycle. The solvent removal tends to carry resin from the prepregs.
  • the uncured resin is a dry material at room temperature and softens to a honey consistency liquid as it approaches the gelation temperature. Gelling of the resin is a function not only of temperature but also time, and prolonged heating at temperatures as low as 2009 F. may cause partial curing. After heating to 275 F. definite irreversible gelation has commenced.
  • a high boiling point solvent is included in the fabric coating. The solvent is selected with a high boiling point for minimizing solvent losses from the prepreg at room temperatures or slightly elevated temperature.
  • the preferred solvent, n-methyl-Z-pyrrolidone has a boiling point in excess of 390 F. This permits prolonged storage at room temperautre and some use of heat guns during layup without damage to the prepreg.
  • the high boiling point solvent is extracted from the prepreg at a temperature below its normal boiling temperature because the composite being built is evacuated.
  • the solvent can be substantially completely removed below gelation temperatures for the resin by holding for a sufficiently long time in vacuum and unless special layup arrangements Iare employed resin may also be carried from the part during solvent removal. If this technique is employed the part is vacuum bagged after the solvent removal and cured in a conventional manner to produce high resin content strong parts; however, this technique is expensive since separate layups are needed for solvent removal and curing, with consequent labor cos-ts, and time on the tooling is substantially increased.
  • the solvent is removed at least partly concurrent with gelation of the resin.
  • a controlled volume into which solvent can travel, with resin carried therewith, is provided to control the amount of resin leaving the prepregs. If the solvent is not adequately removed, resin precipitation may occur, yielding low strength inferior laminates. Excessively rapid solvent removal causes increased resin loss from the parts and may yield low strength inferior parts. Solvent removal at low temperatures may also yield a dry prepreg so that poor resting and low density occurs in the nal part.
  • a release layer 17 permeable to both gases and liquid polyimide resin is provided over the surface of the prepregs.
  • Suitable porous release layers include perforated sheets of polyethylene terephthalate or polytetralluoro-ethylene (available under the trademarks Mylar and Telon, respectively, from E. I. du Pont de lNemours and Company, Wilmington, DeL), Teflon fabric, or open weave glass fabric coated With Teflon to prevent adhesion of the polyimide resin to the glass fabric. If desired, aluminum screening coated with Teon may also be employed as a porous release layer 17.
  • the porous release layer 17 is made substantially co-extensive with the prepreg layup with the edges of the prepreg sheets .16 and porous release layer 17 being approximately together. By limiting the extent of the porous release layer 17 edge bleeding of the resin from the prepregs is inhibited. In order to further prevent edge bleeding of resin from the part a strip of resin impermeable tape 1.8 is placed around the periphery of the part being made.
  • the impervious tape 18 which may Aalso be formed of Teflon or similar material is laid over the edges of the prepregs 16 overlapping the edges by a distance of about a half inch.
  • the tape then extends down over the edges of the prepregs to the surface of the mold 10 where it is Substantially sealed to the mold or tool by the vacuum bag 11 as is most clearly seen in FIG. 3. It is readily apparent by examination of FIG. 3 that substantially no path exists for edge bleeding from the prepregs 16.
  • porous release layer 17 Over the porous release layer 17 there are provided four layers of open weave glass fabric which provide a porous bleeder region which permits gas flow from the prepregs 16 and through the porous release layer 17 to the vacuum connections 12.
  • porosity of the glass fabric bleeder layers 19 provides a location for the solvent and resin from the prepregs to flow upon heating of the prepregs during the cure cycle.
  • the glass fabric prepregs contain about 30 to 40 percent by weight of curable polyimide resin. It is preferred that the resin content of the finished part be less than about 20 percent by Weight of polyimide resin.
  • structural parts made according to prautices of this invention in the thickness range of from about 0.0'40 to 0.080 inch are dense, strong and substantially nonammable under extreme conditions such as pure oxygen at atmospheric pressure. With higher resin contents some ammability may be encountered in Ithese thin sections even though polyimide resins are inherently highly lame resistant. Additional details are described in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 805,556, liled Mar. 10, i969 entitled Polyimide Laminate by Richard A. Kaumeyer and Stanley Y. Yoshino and assigned to North American Rockwell Corporation, assignee of this application and filed concurrently herewith. The teachings of said copending application are hereby incorporated by reference for full force and elect as is set forth in full herein.
  • Strength is assured by providing an excess of polyimide resin in the prepregs and controllably bleeding the resin from the part during processing so that the resin content is controlled and uniform over the entire part.
  • Low resin content parts made low resin content raw materials have been found to be so weak in some circumstances that they can be delaminated with ones fingers.
  • the resin content of the prepregs is initially high and excess resin is controllably bled from the part under substantial processing pressures it is found that the glass fabric is reliably compacted for maximum density in the part and optimum strength. This is believed to be due to the ow of low viscosity resin through the part during processing as the excess resin is permitted to ow from the prepregs into the void volume of the bleeder fabric.
  • the prepregs employed are of type 181 glass fabric which is a relatively tight weave commonly employed in laminating.
  • Such fabric pre-1mpregnated with polyimide resin is commercially available from Du Pont, U.S. Polymeric, and Narmco.
  • seven sheets of such a glass fabric prepreg 16 are employed to make the final structural part.
  • the glass fabric of the bleeder layer is preferably a very open weave scrim cloth such as type EM-lOA-llOO which has a large void volume.
  • four layers of such a scrim fabric 19 are employed to absorb resin from the prepregs. It will be apparent that other types of fabric can just as well be employed for the bleeder layers and it is also found that aluminum screening makes a quite satisfactory bleed layer.
  • a significant factor in the bleed layer is the void volume available for accommodation of resin flowing from the prepregs. It is preferred that the void volume in the bleeder layer be greater than about 1118 percent of the volume of the prepregs. This provides sufficient void volume in the bleeder layer to accommodate excess resin from the prepregs and results in a resin content in the cured part of less than about 20 percent. If less than about 18 percent void volume is available insufficient resin ow from the prepregs occurs to bring the lfinal resin content down to 20%. When a higher proportion of void volume is available in the bleeder layer, additional resin is extracted from the prepregs during the cure cycle up to an amount sufficient to lower the resin content of the finished part to about percent. It is found that indefinite increase of the bleeder volume does not result in resin contents lower than about 15 percent since this is all of the resin that can be squeezed out of the prepregs by the processing pressures.
  • the number of layers be approximately in the ratio of two bleeder layers for every three prepreg layers.
  • the number of style 181 glass fabric prepregs is three, four, five, six, seven, eight and nine the number of EM-lOA-llOO fabric bleeder layers is preferably two, three, three, four, four, five and six, respectively.
  • the bleeder fabric sheets 19 are substantially coextensive with the prepreg sheets 16 so that no excess volume exists for edge bleeding of the resin from the structural part.
  • the edges of the bleeder sheets terminate at substantially the same point as the prepreg sheets, as is most clearly seen in FIG. 3.
  • the impervious tape 18 is over the prepregs and under the release layer 17. If desired, the tape can be over the bleeder layer 19 without any substantial change in results. If the bleeder layer 19 were terminated at the edge of the part at all points on the periphery, diiculty ⁇ would be encountered in evacuating the vacuum bag to obtain good uniform loading on the prepregs for the cure cycle.
  • a pigtail of the bleeder layer is provided between the structural part and the vacuum connections,
  • the pigtail 20, outlines of which can be seen in FIG. 1 beneath the vacuum bag 11, comprises narrow strips or a roll of glass fabric 21 similar to the bleeder layers.
  • the tabs or coupons 14 are provided on the structural part at the location of each of the pigtails 20. This provides a small region interconnecting the structural part and the pigtail, and this tab is later trimmed olf the edge of the part after curing.
  • the tab 14 can also be employed for various quality control tests if desired and any edge bleeding which may occur in the tab assures conservative test results.
  • a wad of folded fabric 22 is usually provided within the vacuum bag beneath the vacuum connection to provide an additional reservoir for excess resin to prevent plugging of the Vacuum lines.
  • the vacuum bag 11 may be formed of silicone rubber, nylon or Mylar sheet or other impervious material for 'resisting the applied pressure at curing temperature.
  • the vacuum bag and layup therein is evacuated so that the external pressure on the vacuum bag exerts a uniformly distributed force on the prepregs for obtaining a compact, high density structural part adhering in shape to the mold.
  • a peripheral rim of conventional zinc chromate putty 23 (FIG. 2) or the like is provided for sealing the vacuum bag.
  • a pressure higher than atmospheric is employed by placing the entire assembly in an autoclave (not shown) which may, for example, apply a pressure up to 200 p.s.i.g. (that is, about 215 p.s.i.a.) on the prepregs.
  • an augmented pressure of at least 35 p.s.i.g. (50 p.s.i.a.) is applied to the part during the initial stages of the cure cycle to assure intimate contact of the prepregs and the desired flow of resin from the prepregs through the porous release layer 17 and into the bleeder fabrics 19 to till any small voids in Abridges of the vacuum bag over corners of the part.
  • the pressure may later ⁇ be increased to as much as 200 p.s.i.g. in order t0 assure maximum density in the part.
  • a cure cycle may heat the part from room temperature to about 300 F.
  • the autoclave pressure may be increased to the range of from about to 200 p.s.i.g. and the temperature is increased to about 350 F. in about an hour and held for about 3 hours to further the cure of the resin and make the part essentially rigid.
  • the relatively low pressure applied at the beginning of the curing cycle with increased pressure after heating to about 300 F. permits the 'use of relatively inexpensive vacuum bagging materials.
  • Silicone rubber sheet can be used for vacuum bagging with the potential of repeated use of the bag, however, in practice it often occurs that the bag is damaged and cannot, in fact, be reused. It is therefore desirable to employ a relatively inexpensive nylon sheet for the vacuum rather than the more costly silicone rubber. It is found, however, on complex parts that if nylon sheet is subjected to full autoclave pressure at the commencement of the heating cycle that tearing may occur where there is bridging of the nylon sheet over reentrant corners and the like in the layup of relatively stiff prepregs, with consequent loss of vacuum.
  • an augmented pressure in the range of only about 35 to 55 p.s.i.g. is applied at the commencement of heating to provide appreciable squeezing of the prepregs onto the tooling and extraction of solvent.
  • both the prepregs and the vacuum bag are more pliant and resin has bled out to the bag in the bleeders, effectively eliminating bridging, and tearing of the sheet is much less likely; therefore the pressure can safely be augmented to 100 to 200 p.s.i.g.
  • This two stage procedure not only permits use of the less expensive nylon sheet vacuum bagging, but also reduces labor costs in that less care is needed in removing the vacuum bag since no effort is made to save the bag for reuse.
  • the pressure may be released and the part removed from the autoclave.
  • the part may then be sanded to remove any Wrinkles or high spots and the sanded surface coated with a thin layer of polymide resin for sealing in a conventional manner. The edges may be trimmed and the tabs at the pigtails removed.
  • a typical postcure cycle for the polyimide resin involves heating at 250 F. for two hours, 350 for two hours, 450 F. for two hours, 500 F. for two hours and 600 F. for eight hours. This assures a complete cure and a maximum density, strength, and temperature resistance.
  • a bleeder layer covering said release layer and substantially coextensive therewith, and being sufficiently thick to absorb all the resin that may be released by said sheets;
  • impervious means extending from and sealed to said unyielding surface and surrounding said stack to retain any liquid resin that may be formed when said assembled means is heated to cure said resin.
  • said impervious means is an impermeable tape placed around the periphery of said stack and forming a suitable bond with said hard surface.
  • said vacuum connection is disposed in a region over said hard surface and removed from over said stack;
  • a bleeder pigtail extending over said tape from said ybleeder layer to said vacuum connection forming a passageway so that said volatile and any flowing liquid resins are required to Vliow up over said tape.

Abstract

A TECHNIQUE IS DESCRIBED FOR PREPARING GLASS FABRIC LAMINATES BONDED WITH POLYAROMATIC RESINS SUCH AS POLYIMIDE. A VACUUM BAG LAYUP ARRANGEMENT HAVING POLY IMIDE PREPREGS COVERED WITH A POROUS RELEASE LAYER AND A LAYER OF BLEEDER FABRIC HAVING A SUBSTANTIAL VOID VOLUME IS PROVIDED FOR ACCOMMODATING A FLOW OF SOLVENT AND RESIN FROM THE PREPREGS. AN IMPERVIOUS BORDER AROUND THE LAYUP PREVENTS EDGE BLEEDING OF THE RESIN. SPECIAL. PATHS TO THE VACUUM CONNECTIONS ARE PROVIDED FROM THE BLEEDER LAYER. A TWO STAGE PRESSURIZED CURING CYCLE IS ALSO PROVIDED SO THAT PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE LAMINATE ARE CONTROLLED AND LOW PROCESSING COSTS ARE ENCOUNTERED.

D R A W I N G

Description

May 30, 197.2 s. Y. YosHlNo 3,666,600
APPARATUS FOR FORMING LAYUP LAMINATE Filed March lO. 1969 'IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII l VSO F/G. 4
INVENTOR. STANLEY Y. YOSH/NO A T TORNE Y Unted States Patent Oce 3,666,600 Patented May 30, 1972 U.S. Cl. 156-382 3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A technique is described for preparing glass fabric laminates bonded with polyaromatic resins such as polyimide. A vacuum bag layup arrangement having polyimide prepregs covered with a porous release layer and a layer of bleeder fabric having a substantial void volume is provided for accommodating a flow of solvent and resin from the prepregs. An impervious border around the layup prevents edge bleeding of the resin. Special paths to the vacuum connections are provided from the bleeder layer. A two stage pressurized curing cycle is also provided so that properties of the composite laminate are controlled and low processing costs are encountered.
BACKGROUND Vacuum bagging techniques have been employed for many years for preparing glass fabric laminates bonded with phenolic or epoxy resins. In these techniques the resin is impregnated in a glass fabric sheet known as a prepreg. The resin in the prepreg is usually uncured or may be partly curred before use. In order to form a structural part from the prepregs, a suliicient number to form the desired thickness of the part are fitted onto a mold and a release layer porous to gases but essentially impervious to the liquid resins is laid over the assemblage of prepregs. One or two sheets of glass fabric, known as bleeders, are laid over the entire assemblage and draped over the mold to provide a path for gas iiow to a vacuum connection. An impervious flexible sheet is laid over the bleeder fabrics and sealed at the edge with putty to form a vacuum tight assembly. The assembly is then evacuated so that atmospheric pressure applied through the flexible sheet compresses the prepregs tightly onto the mold. If desired, the part may be placed in an autoclave so that the pressure applied is augmented above the p.s.i. atmospheric pressure available. The part is then heated, while in the vacuum bag, to the curing temperature for the particular resin system and the prepregs are thereby rigidly bonded together to form a structural part.
With the advent of polyaromatic resins such as polyimide, polybenzimidizole, polysulfone, and polyphenylene new problems have arisen in vacuum bagging techniques. In the conventional epoxy and phenolic resins the uncured prepregs are tacky and the resins have a very high viscosity. As heating commences, the cure of the resin commences at a relatively low temperature and the consequent increase in viscosity at the commencement of gelling offsets any decrease in viscosity which might be expected as the temperature increases. In the polyaromatic resins, on the other hand, the resin coating includes solvents to provide tack and drapability. Gelling of the polyaromatic resin does not commence until an elevated temperature is reached and the viscosity of the resin coating on the fabric drops oi to a very low value as the temperature is increased prior to the commencement of curing. In the phenolic and epoxy resin systems the high viscosity prevents substantial resin llow and good structural parts are readily obtained. In the polyaromatic resins, on the other hand, the low viscosity of the resin mixture can result in catastrophic resin flows, yielding low strength, out of tolerance parts, plugged up vacuum system, and the like. It is therefore desirable to provide a processing technique for polyaromatic resins having a low viscosity range prior to cure.
SUMMARY lOF THB INVENTION Thus in the practice of this invention, according to a preferred embodiment, a layup technique and process is provided wherein a bleeder reservoir for excess resin is provided within the vacuum bag with the proportion of bleeders and prepregs selected to provide a controlled basin content in the completed part.
DRAWINGS Objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:`
FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective a typical part contained in a vacuum bag;
FIG. 2 comprises a cross-sectional view through the vacuum bag layup of IFIG. 1;
FIG. 3 comprises another cross-sectional view through the vacuum bag layup of FIG. 1; and
IFIG. 4 illustrates a third cross-section of a portion of the vacuum bag layup of FIG. 1.
Throughout the drawings like reference numerals refer to like parts.
DESCRIPTION In the following description application of the principles of this invention to polyimide resin composite laminates is detailed. It will be apparent that the principles are also applicable to other polyaronlatic resins such as polybenzimidizole, polysulfone and polyphenylene. In a typical application a composite laminated structure made from glass fabric and polyimide resin may be employed as a radome or similar radio or radar transparent structure for high speed aircraft or in an environment otherwise subjected to elevated temperatures. Typical polyimide resins such as PI 3301 available from I. du Pont de Nemours and 'Skybond 700 available from Monsanto, are inherently useful at elevated temperatures, and temperature resistance and strength at elevated temperatures are enhanced by maximizing the content of glass in the composite structure; that is, by minimizing the quantity of resin without compromising the ability to iirmly bond the glass fibers together. In such a composite structure it is desirable to achieve a maximum density in order to assure optimum strength and resistance to the elevated temperature environment.
FIG. 1 illustrates a vacuum bag layup incorporating the principles of this invention. As illustrated in this embodiment there is provided a tool or mold 10 which, for purposes of illustration, is merely `a ilat plate. It will be recognized, of course, that other more complex geometries of mold can readily be employed as is conventional, and the illustration of flat plate mold in FIG. l is only for purposes of exposition. The same general principles of vacuum bagging hereinabove described are employed in practice of this invention except that the arrangement of elements in the layup are varied and a two stage cure cycle for polyaromatic resins is employed. Thus, as is conventional, the part being formed is covered by an impervious sheet 11, usually known as a vacuum bag, and vacuum connections 12 are provided with hoses 13 running to a vacuum pump (not shown). In FIG. l the general outline of a structural part beneath the vacuum bag 11 can be seen, which, for purposes of illustration, is merely a rectangular at plate, it being recognized, of course, that the processes are par- 3 ticularly well adapted to parts of complex geometries. There is also provided a tab or coupon 14 on the part adjacent each of the vacuum connections 12.
FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of the layup of FIG. l including one of the tabs 14 and a vacuum connection 12. Throughout the drawings exaggerated thicknesses of the layers are shown merely for illustration. As illustrated in this view seven layers of polyimide prepreg 16 are laid directly on the mold 10 which is normally tirst coated with a thin layer of a conventional release agent to prevent sticking of the .part to the mold. The polyimide prepregs comprise, for example, a sheet of glass fabric impregnated with a polyimide resin. The glass fabric prepreg is normally loaded with from 40 to 50 percent of resin by weight which actually comprises about 30 to 40 percent by Weight of curable polyimide resin and yabout l() to 20 percent of volatile materials. A substantial portion of the volatile material in the prepreg is a high boiling point solvent for the polyimide resin such as n-methyl-Z- pyrrolidone pyridine, or dimethyl formamide for providing tack, and some of the volatile material is water released in the condensation reaction of curing of the resin. For this reason Some means must be provided in the vacuum bagging arrangement for removing gases from the layup of prepregs during curing not only to remove the high boiling point solvent and the water, but also the air within and between the prepreg layers. The relatively large amount of solvent in the prepregs causes the low viscosity of the resin during the early stages of the curing cycle. The solvent removal tends to carry resin from the prepregs.
The uncured resin is a dry material at room temperature and softens to a honey consistency liquid as it approaches the gelation temperature. Gelling of the resin is a function not only of temperature but also time, and prolonged heating at temperatures as low as 2009 F. may cause partial curing. After heating to 275 F. definite irreversible gelation has commenced. In order to provide some tack and drapability in the prepregs before curing and keep them from being too stiff for layup on complex molds, a high boiling point solvent is included in the fabric coating. The solvent is selected with a high boiling point for minimizing solvent losses from the prepreg at room temperatures or slightly elevated temperature. Thus, for example, the preferred solvent, n-methyl-Z-pyrrolidone, has a boiling point in excess of 390 F. This permits prolonged storage at room temperautre and some use of heat guns during layup without damage to the prepreg.
During the cure cycle the high boiling point solvent is extracted from the prepreg at a temperature below its normal boiling temperature because the composite being built is evacuated. The solvent can be substantially completely removed below gelation temperatures for the resin by holding for a sufficiently long time in vacuum and unless special layup arrangements Iare employed resin may also be carried from the part during solvent removal. If this technique is employed the part is vacuum bagged after the solvent removal and cured in a conventional manner to produce high resin content strong parts; however, this technique is expensive since separate layups are needed for solvent removal and curing, with consequent labor cos-ts, and time on the tooling is substantially increased.
In a preferred technique as provided in practice of this invention the solvent is removed at least partly concurrent with gelation of the resin. A controlled volume into which solvent can travel, with resin carried therewith, is provided to control the amount of resin leaving the prepregs. If the solvent is not adequately removed, resin precipitation may occur, yielding low strength inferior laminates. Excessively rapid solvent removal causes increased resin loss from the parts and may yield low strength inferior parts. Solvent removal at low temperatures may also yield a dry prepreg so that poor resting and low density occurs in the nal part.
In the past a gas permeable, resin impermeable layer has been provided over the prepregs to vent gases therefrom fm.. ....l..
.4 and prevent the resin from sticking to the vacuum bag, bleeders and the like. In the practice of this invention a release layer 17 permeable to both gases and liquid polyimide resin is provided over the surface of the prepregs. Suitable porous release layers include perforated sheets of polyethylene terephthalate or polytetralluoro-ethylene (available under the trademarks Mylar and Telon, respectively, from E. I. du Pont de lNemours and Company, Wilmington, DeL), Teflon fabric, or open weave glass fabric coated With Teflon to prevent adhesion of the polyimide resin to the glass fabric. If desired, aluminum screening coated with Teon may also be employed as a porous release layer 17.
The porous release layer 17 is made substantially co-extensive with the prepreg layup with the edges of the prepreg sheets .16 and porous release layer 17 being approximately together. By limiting the extent of the porous release layer 17 edge bleeding of the resin from the prepregs is inhibited. In order to further prevent edge bleeding of resin from the part a strip of resin impermeable tape 1.8 is placed around the periphery of the part being made. The impervious tape 18 which may Aalso be formed of Teflon or similar material is laid over the edges of the prepregs 16 overlapping the edges by a distance of about a half inch. The tape then extends down over the edges of the prepregs to the surface of the mold 10 where it is Substantially sealed to the mold or tool by the vacuum bag 11 as is most clearly seen in FIG. 3. It is readily apparent by examination of FIG. 3 that substantially no path exists for edge bleeding from the prepregs 16.
Over the porous release layer 17 there are provided four layers of open weave glass fabric which provide a porous bleeder region which permits gas flow from the prepregs 16 and through the porous release layer 17 to the vacuum connections 12. In addition, the porosity of the glass fabric bleeder layers 19 provides a location for the solvent and resin from the prepregs to flow upon heating of the prepregs during the cure cycle.
As mentioned hereinabove the glass fabric prepregs contain about 30 to 40 percent by weight of curable polyimide resin. It is preferred that the resin content of the finished part be less than about 20 percent by Weight of polyimide resin. With such a resin content structural parts made according to prautices of this invention in the thickness range of from about 0.0'40 to 0.080 inch are dense, strong and substantially nonammable under extreme conditions such as pure oxygen at atmospheric pressure. With higher resin contents some ammability may be encountered in Ithese thin sections even though polyimide resins are inherently highly lame resistant. Additional details are described in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 805,556, liled Mar. 10, i969 entitled Polyimide Laminate by Richard A. Kaumeyer and Stanley Y. Yoshino and assigned to North American Rockwell Corporation, assignee of this application and filed concurrently herewith. The teachings of said copending application are hereby incorporated by reference for full force and elect as is set forth in full herein.
In thicker sections somewhat higher resin contents can be tolerated; however, processing as provided in practice of this invention yields strong, dense, non-Hammable parts in any reasonable thickness. It is also preferred that the specilic gravity of the parts be greater than about 1.6 after curing since lower densities indicate substantial porosity in the part with consequent loss of strength and increased flammability. It might be noted lthat low resin content is often associated with low strength in the part and, in fact, some small decrease in strength is noted as the resin content decreases from about 20 percent to about 15 percent. Because of the processing technique employed, however, adequate strengths are maintained even at the lower resin contents.
Strength is assured by providing an excess of polyimide resin in the prepregs and controllably bleeding the resin from the part during processing so that the resin content is controlled and uniform over the entire part. Low resin content parts made low resin content raw materials have been found to be so weak in some circumstances that they can be delaminated with ones fingers. Where the resin content of the prepregs is initially high and excess resin is controllably bled from the part under substantial processing pressures it is found that the glass fabric is reliably compacted for maximum density in the part and optimum strength. This is believed to be due to the ow of low viscosity resin through the part during processing as the excess resin is permitted to ow from the prepregs into the void volume of the bleeder fabric.
In a typical embodiment the prepregs employed are of type 181 glass fabric which is a relatively tight weave commonly employed in laminating. Such fabric pre-1mpregnated with polyimide resin is commercially available from Du Pont, U.S. Polymeric, and Narmco. In the embodiment illustrated herein seven sheets of such a glass fabric prepreg 16 are employed to make the final structural part. The glass fabric of the bleeder layer is preferably a very open weave scrim cloth such as type EM-lOA-llOO which has a large void volume. In the illustrated embodiment four layers of such a scrim fabric 19 are employed to absorb resin from the prepregs. It will be apparent that other types of fabric can just as well be employed for the bleeder layers and it is also found that aluminum screening makes a quite satisfactory bleed layer.
A significant factor in the bleed layer is the void volume available for accommodation of resin flowing from the prepregs. It is preferred that the void volume in the bleeder layer be greater than about 1118 percent of the volume of the prepregs. This provides sufficient void volume in the bleeder layer to accommodate excess resin from the prepregs and results in a resin content in the cured part of less than about 20 percent. If less than about 18 percent void volume is available insufficient resin ow from the prepregs occurs to bring the lfinal resin content down to 20%. When a higher proportion of void volume is available in the bleeder layer, additional resin is extracted from the prepregs during the cure cycle up to an amount sufficient to lower the resin content of the finished part to about percent. It is found that indefinite increase of the bleeder volume does not result in resin contents lower than about 15 percent since this is all of the resin that can be squeezed out of the prepregs by the processing pressures.
With the above identified prepregs and scrim fabric in the bleeder layer there are in the illustrated embodiment four layers of bleeder fabric for the seven layers of prepreg. Generally speaking, for these materials it is preferred that the number of layers be approximately in the ratio of two bleeder layers for every three prepreg layers. Thus, for example, when the number of style 181 glass fabric prepregs is three, four, five, six, seven, eight and nine the number of EM-lOA-llOO fabric bleeder layers is preferably two, three, three, four, four, five and six, respectively.
Referring again to the drawings, the bleeder fabric sheets 19 are substantially coextensive with the prepreg sheets 16 so that no excess volume exists for edge bleeding of the resin from the structural part. Thus the edges of the bleeder sheets terminate at substantially the same point as the prepreg sheets, as is most clearly seen in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3 the impervious tape 18 is over the prepregs and under the release layer 17. If desired, the tape can be over the bleeder layer 19 without any substantial change in results. If the bleeder layer 19 were terminated at the edge of the part at all points on the periphery, diiculty `would be encountered in evacuating the vacuum bag to obtain good uniform loading on the prepregs for the cure cycle. For this reason a pigtail of the bleeder layer is provided between the structural part and the vacuum connections, The pigtail 20, outlines of which can be seen in FIG. 1 beneath the vacuum bag 11, comprises narrow strips or a roll of glass fabric 21 similar to the bleeder layers. It will be apparent that some edge bleeding may occur at the location of the pigtails, therefore the tabs or coupons 14 are provided on the structural part at the location of each of the pigtails 20. This provides a small region interconnecting the structural part and the pigtail, and this tab is later trimmed olf the edge of the part after curing. The tab 14 can also be employed for various quality control tests if desired and any edge bleeding which may occur in the tab assures conservative test results. In addition to the roll of fabric 21 leading to the vacuum connection 12 a wad of folded fabric 22 is usually provided within the vacuum bag beneath the vacuum connection to provide an additional reservoir for excess resin to prevent plugging of the Vacuum lines. The vacuum bag 11 may be formed of silicone rubber, nylon or Mylar sheet or other impervious material for 'resisting the applied pressure at curing temperature.
In order to cure the polyimide resins the vacuum bag and layup therein is evacuated so that the external pressure on the vacuum bag exerts a uniformly distributed force on the prepregs for obtaining a compact, high density structural part adhering in shape to the mold. A peripheral rim of conventional zinc chromate putty 23 (FIG. 2) or the like is provided for sealing the vacuum bag. In order to obtain optimum density in the part and assure the desired resin flow a pressure higher than atmospheric is employed by placing the entire assembly in an autoclave (not shown) which may, for example, apply a pressure up to 200 p.s.i.g. (that is, about 215 p.s.i.a.) on the prepregs.
=In the past polyimide resins have been heated Without augmented pressure until curing commences in order to inhibit resin flow from the parts. This may, however, lead to diiiiculties since the prepregs may become sufcently rigid that poor laminations or low tolerance parts are obtained.
In the preferred two stage process provided in the practice of this invention an augmented pressure of at least 35 p.s.i.g. (50 p.s.i.a.) is applied to the part during the initial stages of the cure cycle to assure intimate contact of the prepregs and the desired flow of resin from the prepregs through the porous release layer 17 and into the bleeder fabrics 19 to till any small voids in Abridges of the vacuum bag over corners of the part. The pressure may later `be increased to as much as 200 p.s.i.g. in order t0 assure maximum density in the part. Thus for a typical polyimide resin a cure cycle may heat the part from room temperature to about 300 F. in from 11/2 to 4 hours with an autoclave pressure of from about 35 to 55 p.s.i.g. When the part reaches about 290 F. the autoclave pressure may be increased to the range of from about to 200 p.s.i.g. and the temperature is increased to about 350 F. in about an hour and held for about 3 hours to further the cure of the resin and make the part essentially rigid.
The relatively low pressure applied at the beginning of the curing cycle with increased pressure after heating to about 300 F. permits the 'use of relatively inexpensive vacuum bagging materials. Silicone rubber sheet can be used for vacuum bagging with the potential of repeated use of the bag, however, in practice it often occurs that the bag is damaged and cannot, in fact, be reused. It is therefore desirable to employ a relatively inexpensive nylon sheet for the vacuum rather than the more costly silicone rubber. It is found, however, on complex parts that if nylon sheet is subjected to full autoclave pressure at the commencement of the heating cycle that tearing may occur where there is bridging of the nylon sheet over reentrant corners and the like in the layup of relatively stiff prepregs, with consequent loss of vacuum. Therefore, an augmented pressure in the range of only about 35 to 55 p.s.i.g. is applied at the commencement of heating to provide appreciable squeezing of the prepregs onto the tooling and extraction of solvent. After heating, both the prepregs and the vacuum bag are more pliant and resin has bled out to the bag in the bleeders, effectively eliminating bridging, and tearing of the sheet is much less likely; therefore the pressure can safely be augmented to 100 to 200 p.s.i.g. This two stage procedure not only permits use of the less expensive nylon sheet vacuum bagging, but also reduces labor costs in that less care is needed in removing the vacuum bag since no effort is made to save the bag for reuse.
After the part is cooled to about 150 to 200 F. the pressure may be released and the part removed from the autoclave. In a typical process the part may then be sanded to remove any Wrinkles or high spots and the sanded surface coated with a thin layer of polymide resin for sealing in a conventional manner. The edges may be trimmed and the tabs at the pigtails removed. It is then preferred to heat the part at elevated temperature to completely extract any high boiling point solvents and completely cure the polyimide resin. A typical postcure cycle for the polyimide resin involves heating at 250 F. for two hours, 350 for two hours, 450 F. for two hours, 500 F. for two hours and 600 F. for eight hours. This assures a complete cure and a maximum density, strength, and temperature resistance.
Obviously many variations and modifications can be made in the practice of this invention. For example, the exact processing parameters may differ for other polyaromatic resins than the polyimide described in the preferred embodiment. Other desired resin contents can be provided by controlling the resin bleed as taught herein. Many substitute materials for release layers, bleeders, vacuum bags and the like will be apparent to one skilled in the art.
What is claimed is:
1. In an assembled means for pressing and curing sheets of laminated plastics containing volatile and low viscosity resins at elevated temperatures:
a mold with a hard unyielding surface, said sheets being positioned in a stack, one over the other, on said surface;
a porous release layer covering the surface of said stack opposite said unyielding surface;
a bleeder layer covering said release layer and substantially coextensive therewith, and being sufficiently thick to absorb all the resin that may be released by said sheets;
an impervious membrane covering said bleeder layer;
a vacuum connection in said membrane; and
sealing means for making an air-tight seal between said impervious membrane and said unyielding surtface so that when a vacuum is drawn through said connection the space between said membrane and said =unyielding surface is evacuated;
the improvement comprising impervious means extending from and sealed to said unyielding surface and surrounding said stack to retain any liquid resin that may be formed when said assembled means is heated to cure said resin.
2. In the combination of claim 1 wherein:
said impervious means is an impermeable tape placed around the periphery of said stack and forming a suitable bond with said hard surface.
3. In the combination of claim 2 wherein:
said vacuum connection is disposed in a region over said hard surface and removed from over said stack;
a bleeder pigtail extending over said tape from said ybleeder layer to said vacuum connection forming a passageway so that said volatile and any flowing liquid resins are required to Vliow up over said tape.
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,713,378 7/l955 Nadler et al. 156-286 UX 3,423,366 1/ 1969 Brunner et al. 161-227 FOREIGN PATENTS 142,563 3/ 1949 Australia 156-285 556,533 4/1958 Canada 156-285 741,480 12/ 1955 Great Britain 156-286 793,441 4/ 1958 Great Britain ll-DIG WILLIAM A. POWELL, Primary Examiner U.S. C1. X.R.
US805595A 1969-03-10 1969-03-10 Apparatus for forming layup laminate Expired - Lifetime US3666600A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US80559569A 1969-03-10 1969-03-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3666600A true US3666600A (en) 1972-05-30

Family

ID=25191994

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US805595A Expired - Lifetime US3666600A (en) 1969-03-10 1969-03-10 Apparatus for forming layup laminate

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US3666600A (en)

Cited By (63)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4016022A (en) * 1975-12-30 1977-04-05 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Low flow, vacuum bag curable prepreg material for high performance composite systems
US4125526A (en) * 1973-01-02 1978-11-14 Goodyear Aerospace Corporation Vacuum blanket curing method
US4165358A (en) * 1978-04-12 1979-08-21 Jay Johnson Process for clamping, sealing, and aiding the filling of matched molds
US4216047A (en) * 1978-09-15 1980-08-05 Boeing Commercial Airplane Company No-bleed curing of composites
US4252594A (en) * 1977-08-31 1981-02-24 The Babcock & Wilcox Company X-ray patient support stretcher and method for fabrication
US4267147A (en) * 1976-06-11 1981-05-12 Messerschmit-Boelkow-Blohm GmbH Method for producing fiber reinforced structure components
US4270964A (en) * 1978-03-29 1981-06-02 Rohm And Haas Company Method and apparatus for reinforcing a layer of plastics material
US4280804A (en) * 1979-10-01 1981-07-28 General Dynamics Vacuum curing tool for composite materials
US4311661A (en) * 1980-05-05 1982-01-19 Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation Resin impregnation process
EP0051246A1 (en) * 1980-10-31 1982-05-12 A. Rudolf Process for the manufacture of fibre mats reinforced moulded-plastics parts
FR2530538A1 (en) * 1982-07-24 1984-01-27 Rolls Royce PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING ARTICLES OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS
US4548859A (en) * 1984-10-12 1985-10-22 The Boeing Company Breather material and method of coating fabric with silicone rubber
US4595442A (en) * 1980-08-29 1986-06-17 The B. F. Goodrich Company Method of making a pneumatic deicer by vacuum pressing utilizing a curable rubber-cross-linked rubber composition
US4664737A (en) * 1984-12-13 1987-05-12 The Boeing Company System for removably attaching blanket to composite material lay-up structure
US4676853A (en) * 1985-08-30 1987-06-30 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Method of making a flexible diaphragm
US4698115A (en) * 1984-09-28 1987-10-06 The Boeing Company Silicone rubber vacuum bag tool and method of fabricating same
US4732415A (en) * 1986-08-29 1988-03-22 The Boeing Company Non-metallic vacuum probe
US4765942A (en) * 1986-09-30 1988-08-23 The Boeing Company Method of consolidating thermoplastic poly(amide-imide) components
US4769197A (en) * 1987-02-02 1988-09-06 United Technologies Corporation Method for molding precured high temperature resins
US4776907A (en) * 1987-09-25 1988-10-11 The Boeing Company Method of providing resin free surfaces adjacent a bonded joint
US4784920A (en) * 1986-05-06 1988-11-15 Terufumi Machida Thin fiber-reinforced plastic composite plate and method of molding the same
US4816106A (en) * 1984-12-13 1989-03-28 Aeritalia Saipa - Gruppo Velivoli Da Trasporto Method for the controlled curing of composites
US4824513A (en) * 1984-09-28 1989-04-25 The Boeing Company Silicone rubber vacuum bag tool
US4836765A (en) * 1987-12-03 1989-06-06 United Technologies Corporation Molding apparatus for composite materials
US4842670A (en) * 1986-03-07 1989-06-27 Northrop Corporation Molded vacuum bag for debulking and autoclaving laminates of complex shapes
US4852916A (en) * 1988-01-19 1989-08-01 Johnson Keith D High temperature vacuum probe
US4917353A (en) * 1988-11-15 1990-04-17 The Boeing Company Vacuum probe and method
US4963215A (en) * 1987-12-07 1990-10-16 The Boeing Company Method for debulking precured thermoplastic composite laminae
US5015168A (en) * 1988-11-08 1991-05-14 Societe Nationale Industrielle Et Aerospatiale Tool for moulding self-stiffened panels made from a composite material
US5106568A (en) * 1991-11-15 1992-04-21 Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation Method and apparatus for vacuum bag molding of composite materials
US5217656A (en) * 1990-07-12 1993-06-08 The C. A. Lawton Company Method for making structural reinforcement preforms including energetic basting of reinforcement members
US5306448A (en) * 1987-12-28 1994-04-26 United Technologies Corporation Method for resin transfer molding
US5340423A (en) * 1991-07-01 1994-08-23 United Technologies Corporation Method for fabricating a composite structure
US5527414A (en) * 1992-12-23 1996-06-18 United Technologies Corporation Method for high pressure co-cure molding of lightweight honeycomb core composite articles having ramped surfaces utilizing low density, stabilized ramped honeycomb cores
US5686038A (en) * 1995-06-06 1997-11-11 The Boeing Company Resin transfer molding of composite materials that emit volatiles during processing
US5709893A (en) * 1995-06-06 1998-01-20 The Boeing Company Breathable tooling for forming parts from volatile-emitting composite materials
US5863452A (en) * 1997-04-17 1999-01-26 Northrop Grumman Corporation Isostatic pressure resin transfer molding
US5866060A (en) * 1989-12-06 1999-02-02 C. A. Lawton Company Method for making preforms
US5958325A (en) * 1995-06-07 1999-09-28 Tpi Technology, Inc. Large composite structures and a method for production of large composite structures incorporating a resin distribution network
US5968445A (en) * 1998-01-05 1999-10-19 The Boeing Company Method and apparatus for curing large composite panels
US6000453A (en) * 1996-03-29 1999-12-14 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Apparatus for controlling thickness during lay-up and fabrication of press-cured composite articles
US6203749B1 (en) * 1996-02-15 2001-03-20 David Loving Process for fiberglass molding using a vacuum
US6391246B2 (en) * 1996-11-15 2002-05-21 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Method for forming fiber-reinforced composite member
EP1520692A2 (en) * 2003-09-30 2005-04-06 Fuji Electric Holdings Co., Ltd. Vacuum lamination apparatus
US20050086916A1 (en) * 2003-10-23 2005-04-28 Saint Gobain Technical Fabrics Reusable vacuum bag and methods of its use
US20050118376A1 (en) * 2002-03-20 2005-06-02 Shigetada Nakagawa Process for production of fiber-reinforced plastic tubing
US20080210372A1 (en) * 2007-03-01 2008-09-04 Cumings Robert C Composite article debulking process
WO2008135913A1 (en) * 2007-05-03 2008-11-13 Alenia Aeronautica S.P.A. Method of manufacturing a z-section component from composite material
US20080308960A1 (en) * 2007-05-18 2008-12-18 Rydin Richard W Vacuum bag with integral fluid transfer conduits and seals for resin transfer and other processes
WO2009080037A1 (en) 2007-12-20 2009-07-02 Vestas Wind Systems A/S A method of manufacturing a composite part from resin-preimpregnated fibres
US20090278319A1 (en) * 2008-05-07 2009-11-12 Spirit Aerosystems, Inc. Vacuum transfer seal
US20100112118A1 (en) * 2008-11-05 2010-05-06 Spirit Aerosystems, Inc. Reusable sealing device
US20100181018A1 (en) * 2009-01-16 2010-07-22 Daniel Walczyk Consolidating and Curing of Thermoset Composite Parts by Pressing Between a Heated Rigid Mold and Customized Rubber-faced Mold
US20110254207A1 (en) * 2008-10-29 2011-10-20 Per Hallander Hot drape forming by means of a stiffness controlled vacuum bag
US20120039720A1 (en) * 2009-01-21 2012-02-16 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade by embedding a layer of pre-cured fibre reinforced resin
US8545662B2 (en) 2011-07-11 2013-10-01 Weber Manufacturing Technologies Inc. Swing out mold insert device on lay up molds
US9034948B2 (en) 2012-03-08 2015-05-19 Small Beginnings, Llc Additive process for production of dimensionally stable three dimensional objects
US9091618B1 (en) * 2012-08-23 2015-07-28 The Boeing Company Gas sampling system
US20170057119A1 (en) * 2015-08-26 2017-03-02 Triumph Integrated Aircraft Interiors, Inc. Automated press cell system and methods of using the same for forming composite materials
CN106808712A (en) * 2015-12-01 2017-06-09 波音公司 For many tool-free preforms of plane fibers matrix of resin infusion
EP2511079A4 (en) * 2009-12-11 2017-11-29 Airbus Operations S.L. Compacting process for a part made of composite materials
US10343373B2 (en) * 2015-12-16 2019-07-09 Airbus Defence and Space GmbH Coated composite component
EP4039437A4 (en) * 2019-10-03 2023-10-25 IHI Corporation Method for producing fiber-reinforced plastic joined body from prepreg

Cited By (89)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4125526A (en) * 1973-01-02 1978-11-14 Goodyear Aerospace Corporation Vacuum blanket curing method
US4016022A (en) * 1975-12-30 1977-04-05 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Low flow, vacuum bag curable prepreg material for high performance composite systems
US4267147A (en) * 1976-06-11 1981-05-12 Messerschmit-Boelkow-Blohm GmbH Method for producing fiber reinforced structure components
US4252594A (en) * 1977-08-31 1981-02-24 The Babcock & Wilcox Company X-ray patient support stretcher and method for fabrication
US4270964A (en) * 1978-03-29 1981-06-02 Rohm And Haas Company Method and apparatus for reinforcing a layer of plastics material
US4165358A (en) * 1978-04-12 1979-08-21 Jay Johnson Process for clamping, sealing, and aiding the filling of matched molds
US4216047A (en) * 1978-09-15 1980-08-05 Boeing Commercial Airplane Company No-bleed curing of composites
US4280804A (en) * 1979-10-01 1981-07-28 General Dynamics Vacuum curing tool for composite materials
US4311661A (en) * 1980-05-05 1982-01-19 Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation Resin impregnation process
US4595442A (en) * 1980-08-29 1986-06-17 The B. F. Goodrich Company Method of making a pneumatic deicer by vacuum pressing utilizing a curable rubber-cross-linked rubber composition
EP0051246A1 (en) * 1980-10-31 1982-05-12 A. Rudolf Process for the manufacture of fibre mats reinforced moulded-plastics parts
FR2530538A1 (en) * 1982-07-24 1984-01-27 Rolls Royce PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING ARTICLES OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS
US4562033A (en) * 1982-07-24 1985-12-31 Rolls-Royce Limited Method of manufacturing articles from a composite material
US4698115A (en) * 1984-09-28 1987-10-06 The Boeing Company Silicone rubber vacuum bag tool and method of fabricating same
US4824513A (en) * 1984-09-28 1989-04-25 The Boeing Company Silicone rubber vacuum bag tool
US4548859A (en) * 1984-10-12 1985-10-22 The Boeing Company Breather material and method of coating fabric with silicone rubber
US4816106A (en) * 1984-12-13 1989-03-28 Aeritalia Saipa - Gruppo Velivoli Da Trasporto Method for the controlled curing of composites
EP0375814A2 (en) * 1984-12-13 1990-07-04 ALENIA AERITALIA & SELENIA S.p.A. Controlled curing of composites
US4664737A (en) * 1984-12-13 1987-05-12 The Boeing Company System for removably attaching blanket to composite material lay-up structure
EP0375814A3 (en) * 1984-12-13 1991-01-23 ALENIA AERITALIA & SELENIA S.p.A. Controlled curing of composites
US4676853A (en) * 1985-08-30 1987-06-30 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Method of making a flexible diaphragm
US4842670A (en) * 1986-03-07 1989-06-27 Northrop Corporation Molded vacuum bag for debulking and autoclaving laminates of complex shapes
US4784920A (en) * 1986-05-06 1988-11-15 Terufumi Machida Thin fiber-reinforced plastic composite plate and method of molding the same
US4732415A (en) * 1986-08-29 1988-03-22 The Boeing Company Non-metallic vacuum probe
US4765942A (en) * 1986-09-30 1988-08-23 The Boeing Company Method of consolidating thermoplastic poly(amide-imide) components
US4769197A (en) * 1987-02-02 1988-09-06 United Technologies Corporation Method for molding precured high temperature resins
US4776907A (en) * 1987-09-25 1988-10-11 The Boeing Company Method of providing resin free surfaces adjacent a bonded joint
US4836765A (en) * 1987-12-03 1989-06-06 United Technologies Corporation Molding apparatus for composite materials
US4963215A (en) * 1987-12-07 1990-10-16 The Boeing Company Method for debulking precured thermoplastic composite laminae
US5306448A (en) * 1987-12-28 1994-04-26 United Technologies Corporation Method for resin transfer molding
US4852916A (en) * 1988-01-19 1989-08-01 Johnson Keith D High temperature vacuum probe
US5015168A (en) * 1988-11-08 1991-05-14 Societe Nationale Industrielle Et Aerospatiale Tool for moulding self-stiffened panels made from a composite material
US4917353A (en) * 1988-11-15 1990-04-17 The Boeing Company Vacuum probe and method
US6001300A (en) * 1989-12-06 1999-12-14 C.A. Lawton Company Method for making rigid three-dimensional preforms using directed electromagnetic energy
US6004123A (en) * 1989-12-06 1999-12-21 C.A. Lawton Company Apparatus for making preforms
US5866060A (en) * 1989-12-06 1999-02-02 C. A. Lawton Company Method for making preforms
US5827392A (en) * 1990-07-12 1998-10-27 C.A. Lawton Company Method for making structural reinforcement preforms including energetic basting of reinforcement members
US5217656A (en) * 1990-07-12 1993-06-08 The C. A. Lawton Company Method for making structural reinforcement preforms including energetic basting of reinforcement members
US5340423A (en) * 1991-07-01 1994-08-23 United Technologies Corporation Method for fabricating a composite structure
US5106568A (en) * 1991-11-15 1992-04-21 Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation Method and apparatus for vacuum bag molding of composite materials
US5527414A (en) * 1992-12-23 1996-06-18 United Technologies Corporation Method for high pressure co-cure molding of lightweight honeycomb core composite articles having ramped surfaces utilizing low density, stabilized ramped honeycomb cores
US5709893A (en) * 1995-06-06 1998-01-20 The Boeing Company Breathable tooling for forming parts from volatile-emitting composite materials
US6861017B1 (en) 1995-06-06 2005-03-01 The Boeing Company Method for forming composite parts from volatile-emitting materials using breathable tooling
US5686038A (en) * 1995-06-06 1997-11-11 The Boeing Company Resin transfer molding of composite materials that emit volatiles during processing
US5958325A (en) * 1995-06-07 1999-09-28 Tpi Technology, Inc. Large composite structures and a method for production of large composite structures incorporating a resin distribution network
US6203749B1 (en) * 1996-02-15 2001-03-20 David Loving Process for fiberglass molding using a vacuum
US6000453A (en) * 1996-03-29 1999-12-14 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Apparatus for controlling thickness during lay-up and fabrication of press-cured composite articles
US6391246B2 (en) * 1996-11-15 2002-05-21 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Method for forming fiber-reinforced composite member
US5863452A (en) * 1997-04-17 1999-01-26 Northrop Grumman Corporation Isostatic pressure resin transfer molding
US5968445A (en) * 1998-01-05 1999-10-19 The Boeing Company Method and apparatus for curing large composite panels
US20050118376A1 (en) * 2002-03-20 2005-06-02 Shigetada Nakagawa Process for production of fiber-reinforced plastic tubing
US7582177B2 (en) * 2002-03-20 2009-09-01 Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. Process for production of fiber-reinforced plastic tubing
EP1520692A3 (en) * 2003-09-30 2006-05-03 Fuji Electric Holdings Co., Ltd. Vacuum lamination apparatus
US20050077006A1 (en) * 2003-09-30 2005-04-14 Yasuhiro Yokoyama Vacuum lamination apparatus and vacuum lamination method
US7452439B2 (en) 2003-09-30 2008-11-18 Fuji Electric Holding Co., Ltd. Vacuum lamination apparatus and vacuum lamination method
EP1520692A2 (en) * 2003-09-30 2005-04-06 Fuji Electric Holdings Co., Ltd. Vacuum lamination apparatus
US20050086916A1 (en) * 2003-10-23 2005-04-28 Saint Gobain Technical Fabrics Reusable vacuum bag and methods of its use
US7029267B2 (en) * 2003-10-23 2006-04-18 Saint- Gobain Technical Fabrics Canada, Ltd Reusable vacuum bag and methods of its use
US20080210372A1 (en) * 2007-03-01 2008-09-04 Cumings Robert C Composite article debulking process
WO2008135913A1 (en) * 2007-05-03 2008-11-13 Alenia Aeronautica S.P.A. Method of manufacturing a z-section component from composite material
US8118961B2 (en) 2007-05-03 2012-02-21 Alenia Aeronautica S.P.A. Method of manufacturing a Z-section component from composite material
US20100126658A1 (en) * 2007-05-03 2010-05-27 Alenia Aeronautica S.P.A. Method of manufacturing a z-section component from composite material
US20080308960A1 (en) * 2007-05-18 2008-12-18 Rydin Richard W Vacuum bag with integral fluid transfer conduits and seals for resin transfer and other processes
US10434690B2 (en) 2007-05-18 2019-10-08 Arjr Group, Llc Vacuum bag with integral fluid transfer conduits and seals for resin transfer and other processes
US8672665B2 (en) * 2007-05-18 2014-03-18 Arjr Group, Llc Vacuum bag with integral fluid transfer conduits and seals for resin transfer and other processes
US20110027095A1 (en) * 2007-12-20 2011-02-03 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Method of manufacturing a composite part from resin-preimpregnated fibres
WO2009080037A1 (en) 2007-12-20 2009-07-02 Vestas Wind Systems A/S A method of manufacturing a composite part from resin-preimpregnated fibres
CN101903161A (en) * 2007-12-20 2010-12-01 维斯塔斯风力系统集团公司 A method of manufacturing a composite part from resin-preimpregnated fibres
US8158051B2 (en) 2008-05-07 2012-04-17 Spirit Aerosystems, Inc. Vacuum transfer seal
US20090278319A1 (en) * 2008-05-07 2009-11-12 Spirit Aerosystems, Inc. Vacuum transfer seal
US20110254207A1 (en) * 2008-10-29 2011-10-20 Per Hallander Hot drape forming by means of a stiffness controlled vacuum bag
US8840828B2 (en) * 2008-10-29 2014-09-23 Saab Ab Hot drape forming by means of a stiffness controlled vacuum bag
US8128396B2 (en) * 2008-11-05 2012-03-06 Spirit Aerosystems, Inc. Reusable sealing device
US20100112118A1 (en) * 2008-11-05 2010-05-06 Spirit Aerosystems, Inc. Reusable sealing device
US8511362B2 (en) * 2009-01-16 2013-08-20 Edwin H. Kintz Consolidating and curing of thermoset composite parts by pressing between a heated rigid mold and customized rubber-faced mold
US20100181018A1 (en) * 2009-01-16 2010-07-22 Daniel Walczyk Consolidating and Curing of Thermoset Composite Parts by Pressing Between a Heated Rigid Mold and Customized Rubber-faced Mold
US20120039720A1 (en) * 2009-01-21 2012-02-16 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade by embedding a layer of pre-cured fibre reinforced resin
US9073270B2 (en) * 2009-01-21 2015-07-07 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade by embedding a layer of pre-cured fibre reinforced resin
US10590909B2 (en) 2009-01-21 2020-03-17 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade by embedding a layer of pre-cured fibre reinforced resin
EP2511079A4 (en) * 2009-12-11 2017-11-29 Airbus Operations S.L. Compacting process for a part made of composite materials
US8545662B2 (en) 2011-07-11 2013-10-01 Weber Manufacturing Technologies Inc. Swing out mold insert device on lay up molds
US9034948B2 (en) 2012-03-08 2015-05-19 Small Beginnings, Llc Additive process for production of dimensionally stable three dimensional objects
US9091618B1 (en) * 2012-08-23 2015-07-28 The Boeing Company Gas sampling system
US20170057119A1 (en) * 2015-08-26 2017-03-02 Triumph Integrated Aircraft Interiors, Inc. Automated press cell system and methods of using the same for forming composite materials
CN106808712A (en) * 2015-12-01 2017-06-09 波音公司 For many tool-free preforms of plane fibers matrix of resin infusion
US10661513B2 (en) * 2015-12-01 2020-05-26 The Boeing Company Multi-planar fiber matrix tool-less preform for resin infusion
US11548242B2 (en) 2015-12-01 2023-01-10 The Boeing Company Multi-planar fiber matrix tool-less preform for resin infusion
US10343373B2 (en) * 2015-12-16 2019-07-09 Airbus Defence and Space GmbH Coated composite component
EP4039437A4 (en) * 2019-10-03 2023-10-25 IHI Corporation Method for producing fiber-reinforced plastic joined body from prepreg

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3666600A (en) Apparatus for forming layup laminate
US3703422A (en) Polyaromatic resin faced honeycomb panel and method for making same
US4311661A (en) Resin impregnation process
US4816106A (en) Method for the controlled curing of composites
US4842670A (en) Molded vacuum bag for debulking and autoclaving laminates of complex shapes
US3787546A (en) Method for making a perforated plastic article
US4961991A (en) Flexible graphite laminate
US4942013A (en) Vacuum resin impregnation process
US5236646A (en) Process for preparing thermoplastic composites
US4702376A (en) Composite vacuum bag material having breather surface
US4822436A (en) Apparatus for debulking and autoclaving laminates of complex shapes
US20080210372A1 (en) Composite article debulking process
JP5877156B2 (en) Rotor blade manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus thereof
US4065340A (en) Composite lamination method
US6761783B2 (en) Process method to repair bismaleimide (BMI) composite structures
EP1897680B1 (en) Manufacturing process of a honeycomb sandwich panel
US20050126699A1 (en) Process for the manufacture of composite structures
CA2188629C (en) Process for the production of a composite material panel with resin transfer moulding
GB2124130A (en) Vacuum moulding fibre reinforced resin
US20100024958A1 (en) System and method for reworking composites
EP0963286B1 (en) Improvements in or relating to moulding methods
EP0786330A2 (en) Low-weight and water-resistant honeycomb sandwich panels made by resin transfer molding process
US3600249A (en) Reinforced plastic honeycomb method and apparatus
US2722962A (en) Apparatus for making void-free fabric laminates
US5879498A (en) Method of lining fluid vessels